Bookings are now being taken for the next Irish Auctioneers and Valuers Institute fine arts appreciation course, which starts on Tuesday, September 23rd. Over a series of 10 lectures - plus an antiques roadshow where students may bring along items for examination by specialists - the course provides a general introduction to fine and decorative arts, with two lectures being given per evening.

The lectures are presented by a range of specialists, including Brian Coyle and James O'Halloran of the James Adam Salesrooms, Fonsie Mealy of Mealy's, Douglas Bennett, Denis Drum and Michael Jordan of O'Reilly's. The subjects covered range from period furniture to 19th and 20th century Irish art, as well as books, pottery and porcelain, silver and jewellery. The course carries a fee of £125 for each student. Booking forms and further details are available from Vivienne McSherrry at the Irish Auctioneers and Valuers Institute, 38 Merrion Square, Dublin 2, tel. 01-6611794.